Development of the power grid is in full swing across the country. Companies have reported a need for a lot of electricity in the coming years. Recent figures from Statnett show that 450 companies are queuing. – Many people are now queuing and waiting, and it can take a very long time before they get in. That’s what Bengt Eidem, director of communications at the Trønder-based online company Tensio, says. LITTLE FREE SPACE IN THE NETWORK: Here in Trondheim, too, there is a battle for power, as it is all over the country. Photo: news/ Bent Lindsetmo Many companies have plans for green business development, but have to wait for free space in the network, says Eidem. – It is a big challenge for the whole of Norwegian society, he says and continues: – One of the questions that comes up is whether there should be a tighter prioritization of who should get first, and who has to stand further back in the queue. No room for maneuver Some have already been reserved and allocated large amounts of power, such as two large data centers for cryptocurrency in Trøndelag. Others are waiting for a response. This applies to many players who want to set up chargers for electric trucks. news has told that they end up far behind in the queue. Some people have to wait ten years before the network is expanded, and they get the electricity they need. NEED POWER: Driver Geir Sverkmo and Ketil Aksnes in Verdalskalk. The plan is to buy more electric trucks, but they are struggling to get electricity. Photo: Rita Kleven – Do online companies prioritize today? – In practice, we have no leeway to prioritize. A network company should also not be the player who should prioritize, says Eidem in Tensio and adds: – The system we have had has served Norway well. Now when there are queues everywhere, it is a challenge for all those who stand in line. NHO leader critical LO and NHO in Trøndelag are in the process of surveying the electricity demand in the region, and will present the results later in October. They will ensure enough power for business and a green transition. There must then be a discussion about how to succeed in this, in order to come up with joint solutions. Regional leader Kristian Tangen of LO in Trøndelag thinks so. – We are concerned that the benefit to society should count, says Tangen. He says that they receive feedback that companies want to do simple things such as electrifying the car fleet. But they are stopped and have to wait for electricity. – We hear from our union representatives that companies are quite frustrated, he says. TOGETHER IN THE FIGHT FOR POWER: Regional leader of LO, Kristian Tangen and regional director Guro Angell Gimse of NHO, Trøndelag. Photo: Rita Kleven For chance Regional Director Guro Angell Gimse in NHO in Trøndelag believes that something must be done with the system for allocation of power grids. – The companies are struggling to get to. Now it is first come, first served, and there are also some criteria for maturity. It is not good enough, she says and continues: – We must ensure that we get a system that emphasizes the project’s ripple effects for the surrounding community. The government has a job to do here. – Is it too random today who is connected to the power grid first? – Yes, far too random. NEW REGULATIONS BEING CREATED: State Secretary Cecilie Knibe Kroglund says there will be changes to the current rules that apply to the power grid. Photo: Kai Stokkeland New regulation coming On the basis of an investigation by a power grid committee and a hearing, the government is going to adopt a regulation that the projects of companies must be mature enough to get reserved power in the grid. That is what State Secretary Cecilie Knibe Kroglund (Ap) in the Ministry of Transport and Communications says. The electricity grid committee was asked to assess how appropriate it is to prioritize certain companies and consumer groups. – When the report was out for consultation, there were many and completely different inputs as to who should be prioritized, and according to which criteria. Several pointed out that such prioritization is difficult or impossible, writes Kroglund in an email. The government is currently working on a new regulation. STRAIGHT FOR SPACE ON THE WEB: Bengt Eidem and Randi Reitan Troset from the online company Tensio. More networks are being built here in Stjørdal. Photo: Rita Kleven Network company asks for a thorough assessment The network company Tensio asks the government to make a thorough assessment. – We recognize that it is not easy to create a system for prioritisation, which is good and has broad legitimacy. But it is very important that national authorities take a thorough position on this. Not making a choice is also a choice, says Bengt Eidem. WAITING TIME: Many people are waiting to be connected to the electricity grid. This also applies to those who want to set up chargers for electric trucks. Photo: Eivind Aabakken
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450 businesses stand in line – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
